"Manitu's Canoe" - A cinematic offering for the amusement sector
The much-anticipated sequel to the successful comedy "The Boot of Manitu," titled "The Canoe of Manitu," is set to hit theaters on Thursday. This new film continues the comedic Western parody style established by director Michael "Bully" Herbig and his cast.
In "The Canoe of Manitu," the blood brothers Abahachi, the Apache chief, and his white blood brother Ranger find themselves in a new adventure. They are lured into a trap by a new gang of crooks who aim to seize the mythical Canoe of Manitou, said to grant immortality. To escape and stop the gang, Abahachi, Ranger, and their loyal friends must survive deadly trials.
The film features the return of several characters from the first film, including Dimitri, a Greek tavern owner played by Rick Kavanian, who has expanded his business in the sequel. Dimitri and his new assistant Mary come to the aid of the brothers. Abahachi's gay twin brother Winnetouch, played by Herbig himself, runs a dance and fencing school in the film.
The villain Santa Maria, played by Sky du Mont, returns from the first film to oppose the brothers once more. In a surprising twist, Santa Maria is miraculously resurrected in "The Canoe of Manitu." American actor Alan Tafoya, who traveled from New Mexico, adds an emotional moment at the end of the film.
The film also pays homage to the adventure series "Indiana Jones" and the works of French filmmaker Louis de Funès. It includes references to Westerns based on the novels of Karl May, made in the 1960s, and features dance numbers, songs, including ones by Stefan Raab and Herbig himself, and film quotes.
Abahachi and Ranger face trouble with the sheriff (Friedrich Mücke) and his deputy (Rick Kavanian) in the film. At the world premiere in Munich, around 3,000 guests attended the event. Herbig shed tears at the farewell of Sky du Mont after the premiere, as this is reported to be du Mont's last film.
Tutty Tran, Jessica Schwarz, and Jasmin Schwiers are among the cast members in "The Canoe of Manitu." Tafoya promotes understanding between peoples during his stage appearance in the film.
"The Canoe of Manitu" is a direct sequel to "The Boot of Manitu," continuing the story with the same main characters and humor style. Both films are parodic references to the classic German Karl May Westerns, known for their stories about Native American chiefs and their adventures.
In the world of "The Canoe of Manitu," other characters from the original film like Dimitri, played by Rick Kavanian, and the villain Santa Maria, portrayed by Sky du Mont, make their return. To inject emotion into the story, American actor Alan Tafoya joins the cast, traveling from New Mexico specifically for this movie.
